While it’s no secret that Clemson baseball, 22-12, 4-8 ACC, has struggled mightily as of late, the team has a much-needed opportunity to shift its momentum when No. 6 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 28-5-1 and 11-4 ACC, travels to the Upstate this weekend.
The Tigers opened the season with an impressive 15-2 start before the conference slate posed serious challenges. The team lost all three of its first conference series, including a sweep at the hands of Notre Dame.
Clemson is finally coming off its first ACC series victory of the season after winning Games 1 and 3 against Stanford out west. A sweep felt very attainable for the Tigers until they squandered a three-run lead in the eighth inning of Game 2 after pulling starter Michael Sharman.
Clemson, however, fought its way to the series victory before defeating Santa Clara on Monday in the team’s first-ever meeting to complete a 3-1 trip on the West Coast.
But, as the long season has shown, everything comes at a cost.
In the midst of his breakout season, Tryston McCladdie suffered a fractured face after he was hit by a pitch in the series finale against Stanford. While the injury will not require surgery, McCladdie is now out for multiple weeks.
UNC is traveling to Doug Kingsmore Stadium after winning two of three games against No. 23 Boston College, a team Clemson will face later in the season. The Tar Heels also defeated UNC Charlotte on Tuesday.
The team is projected to pose a challenge for the Tigers, as it is highly regarded as one of the best in the country.
The UNC pitching staff will be a lot to handle for Clemson, as the Tar Heels’ 3.50 team ERA is the best in the ACC. Their staff is led by Jason DeCaro, who has posted a 2.20 ERA and a 5-1 record this season.
There is no lack of festivities for fans this weekend, as Clemson is hosting a concert headlined by Jake Owen in Jervey Meadows immediately following the conclusion of Game 2 of the series on Saturday.
A series win like this could provide an immense resume boost for a Clemson team that has struggled in the ACC this year. Only time will tell whether the Tigers can rise to the occasion.
Aidan Knaak will likely get the start in Game 1 of the series, boasting a 4.55 ERA and a losing 3-1 record. Sharman has dazzled thus far in the season with a 2.89 ERA and a 4-1 record and is expected to be handed the ball in Game 2 on Saturday.
First pitch is set for Friday at 6 p.m.
